Hot: Foundation

Once the winter blues hit, we all want to get away. But when Snickers don't do the trick and your budget looks bleak, try Foundation.

It's a tiki bar in Riverwest, and if you haven't been there before, don't discount it on theme alone. Foundation isn't your Grandma's tacky cruise ship. The former punk skateboarding bar maintains its edge while dipping into the exotic. And it comes with Milwaukee's best mai tai from what might be Milwaukee's best exotic drink menu. There's a reason this bar is a Riverwest favorite.

Hot: The Art Bar

Don't take an ugly date to The Art Bar.

Unlike many dive bars, which earn praise for their dimly lit appeal, The Art Bar's modus operandi is highlighting a variety of art from local creative minds. And unlike most late-night activities, that's something you can't do in the dark.

The Art Bar is a feast for all senses. The kitchen, which is open until 11 p.m., smells like freshly baked bread. There's live music. And the bar's $2 mystery beers, served in an ominous brown bag, keep the mind guessing.

Its all-around appeal makes it one of the hottest spots in Riverwest. But as we said, you might want to have a date to match.

Classic: Mad Planet

If escaping from the cold into a hot hipster dance party is your idea of a good time, then Mad Planet is your bar.

Open since 1990, this Riverwest spot entertains crowds with live music during the week, a retro dance party on Friday and funk music on Saturdays.

Although the décor might not be much, the crowd more than makes up for it. You could head to the dance parties alone and leave with a phone full of new friends' numbers. And that's not limited to people hitting on you. It's a semi-hipster bar that doesn't discriminate. You have to love that.